Shoulder-brace



2 Sheets-Sheet 1'.

(MOdQL) C. A. WILLIAMSON.

Shoulder-Braces.

No. 228,238. Patented June 1,1880.

In venEar:

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iamdow NPETERS, FHOTO-LITNOGRAFHER, WASHINGTON, D. C.

' 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Model.)

0. A. WILLIAMS-0N.

Patented June I, 18 80.

Inventor:

G. uia/mwaw Aiiest- NFETERS. PNOTO-LITNOGRAPHER. WASHINGYON. I) G.

UITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CATHERINE A. WILLIAMSON, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

SHOULDER-BRACE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 228,238, dated June 1, 1880.

Application filed March 15, 1880. (Model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CATHERINE A. WIL- LIAMSON, of St. Louis, Missouri, have made a new and useful Improvement in Shoulder- Braces, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a view in perspective, showing the improved brace in position Fig. 2, an elevation, showing the front ends of the waistbands and connecting-straps; and Fig. 3, a view of one of the back-pieces.

The same letters denote the same parts.

The present invention is animprovement in that class of shoulder-braces wherein backpieces or long spinal supports extending up and down at each side of the spine are used. It has relation partly to the construction of the supports and partly to the means used in fastening them in position.

Referring to the drawings, A A represent the supports. They are in the form of flat strips extending from a little above the shoul der-blades downward to the lower part of the back, and as long as can be comfortably worn, and being spaced sufficiently apart to prevent any direct pressure upon the spine. These strips constitute the main frame of the device, and they are usually made of steel; but in place of being imperforate, as hitherto made, they are perforated throughout, as shown at a a, Fig. 3, the aim thereof being to prevent that part of the body against which the supports come from becoming overheated-a difficulty occasioned when the supports are closed orimperforate, and whichis removed by means of the openings in the supports, as thereby sufficient vent is provided for the passage and dissipation of the heat.

The perforations a a may be of any suitable shape.

The supports at the shoulder blades are united by a flexible but inelastic tie, B, which ing an adjustable connection, 0 c, therewith,

and opposite the lower end of the tie B.

The arm pieces are partially elastic, the straps c c and also the parts 0 0 being elastic. In front the arm-pieces are padded.

The supports A A, from the shoulder-blades downward, are united by elastic ties D D, several ties being used and spaced apart to provide air-openings d d. l

E E represent bands arranged at the waist of the wearer, and extending from the supports A A, so as to nearly meet at the front of the waist, the connections being completed by the elastic straps c e 0, Fig. 2. The bands E E are flexible and inelastic. They support the sides of the body and serve to hold the lower ends of the supports in place.

In operation the braces are adjusted in position by suitably tightening the straps c c and c c c. The effect is to straighten the shoulders, relieve the chest, and support the back and sides, but in such a way as not to interfere with any movement of the arms or body.

I claim-- l. The combination of the supports A A, the flexible inelastic tie B, and the partiallyelastic armpieees C G, substantially as described.

2. The combination of the supports A A, the flexible inelastic tie B, arm-pieces C O, the elastic ties D D, band E E, and straps e 6 c, substantially as described.

Witness my hand.

CATHERINE A. WILLIAMSON.

Witnesses:

PAUL BAKEWELL, O. D. MooDY. 

